Do you have a passion for forestry and the environment? Do you want to make an impact on sustainability by ensuring businesses meet the right standards and address environmental deficiencies? If so, then you might be the match for our role as Sustainability Specialist with a forestry background based in either Indonesia or Malaysia.

What can you expect:

As a Sustainability Specialist, you will play a crucial role in advancing our mission by working with clients in sectors such as biomass, timber, palm oil, textiles, soy, beef and other natural resource sectors to support them in their goals to meet sustainability commitments and legal requirements (such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and UK Timber Regulation). This includes supporting them to establish systems for responsible sourcing and associated activities, including but not limited to, the development of tools, training delivery and verification audits. In addition to the standard Sustainability Specialists responsibilities, this specialist will be expected to conduct audits and advisory works on carbon and biodiversity works.

For this, your professionalism and focus on quality will be central in managing part our client portfolio. Upon joining Preferred by Nature, you will have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills needed to provide advisory services to clients and learning how to audit sustainability standards all with our distinct Preferred by Nature quality.

Working with us is never routine so the first year you can expect the following areas to be central to your work.

• To help organizations meet their sustainability goals you will tackle ambiguous problems and take action to develop and implement bespoke sustainability requirements, including the creation and implementation of Sustainable Sourcing Programs that suit specific organizational needs.
• Support clients in meeting legal requirements in the regulated markets (such as EU Deforestation Regulation), including training, supplier engagement, risk assessment and onsite audit at either farm/forest or supply chain level.
• Deliver advisory work and customized audits using various standards in biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, as well as standards in Nature Based Solutions (NBS) carbon projects verification, such as CCB/Verra, Gold Standard, and Plan Vivo.
• Support clients in the development and implementation of systems for responsible sourcing and associated activities, including policy development, supply chain engagement, risk assessment and risk mitigation activities (supplier audits, capacity building, stakeholder consultation, etc.)
• Support Preferred by Nature team activities including quality, timeliness and financial oversight in relation to client service delivery. This includes oversight of a project team, management of capacity, as well as providing technical guidance and quality control for the work conducted by the project team.
• Conduct direct sales for sustainability services, including sales meetings with clients, identifying service needs, creating/reviewing budgets and proposals according to internal sales procedures, negotiating service agreements, and completing associated sales procedures in the Salesforce database.

Your first year with us

Within three months, you will:

• Complete onboarding and on-the-job training to gain a thorough understanding of Preferred by Nature’s mission, operations, and sustainability standards, including Preferred by Nature’s certification
• Participate in client advisory and audit processes under supervision, while supporting sales and marketing activities through material preparation and record updates.
• Understanding of sustainability standards, carbon accounting methodologies, and biodiversity auditing, preparing you for more advanced responsibilities.

Within six months, you will:

• Deliver independent advisory services, offering expert guidance and tailored solutions to clients.
• Take charge of leading sales meetings, and create detailed proposals and budgets to drive client engagement and business growth.
• Oversee and manage audit schedules and client progress, ensuring timely reporting and enhanced operational efficiency with a high degree of autonomy.

Within one year, you will:

• Independently lead major sustainability projects, advisory services, and audits, maintaining high standards and ensuring client satisfaction in line with Preferred by Nature’s mission.
• Take a more proactive role in sales, independently managing the entire sales process for key clients—from initial contact through to contract negotiation and closing.
• Oversee and execute comprehensive administrative and reporting tasks, providing leadership and support to the team.

Important that you:

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, agroforestry, agriculture, or natural science.
• Experience in auditing carbon projects or familiarity with established carbon projects, such as Verra, Gold Standard and Plan Vivo;

OR

• A qualified auditor in forestry or agriculture certification schemes, such as FSC or PEFC FM, RA farm, SVLK/PHPL, RSPO, etc.
• Knowledge of carbon accounting methodologies and standards.
• Familiarity with the forestry regulatory environment in Indonesia or Malaysia.
• Experience in conducting spatial analysis using GIS tools and data.
• Knowledge in climate change mitigation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.

Would also be great, but not necessary, if you:

• Knowledge of the main legislations and initiatives related to legality, deforestation and sustainable development.
• Experience working with small holders, deforestation issue, carbon footprint, social issue
• Experience in working with wide range of stakeholders (private, NGOs government, etc.)
• Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations related to responsible sourcing, as well as experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

What Sets Us Apart:

• Global work culture
• High degree of flexibility - remote work, work from home.
• An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.
• Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
• Potential future international travel opportunities
• A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
• Private life/accident/medical insurance plan
• Start with 20 days of vacation leave per year.
  
  

Preferred by Nature

Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.

How to apply:

If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your CV and cover letter (in English), including salary expectations by 30^th September 2024 via the application form below

Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.

Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.